Performing a basic manicure at home involves several steps to ensure your nails are clean, shaped, and polished. Depending on the tools you are using you can expediate the process or get a better result. For a basic one at home you should get
- Nail polish remover
- Cotton pads or balls
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Cuticle pusher
- Cuticle oil or cream
- Hand moisturizer
- Base coat (protects natural nail bed, also helps nail polish adhere better)
- Nail polish (color and nail art!)
- Top coat (prevents polish from chipping, adds shine)
Beginner friendly video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2t6QxmuLIs
Managing cuticles
Do NOT cut through your eponychium and skin of your actual nail fold. You want to remove the dead skin that is on the bed itself, not the live skin that is protective. Push, file and cut excess skin carefully. Breaking the barrier can introduce bacteria and cause irritation and infection. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAM6HOmu4Ss